Gary Bowyer delivered a blunt assessment of his Burton Albion side after they let a two-goal lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Mansfield Town. The result at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday leaves the Brewers 12th in the League One table with nine points from seven matches.
Bowyer did not hide his disappointment, stating his team fell well short of the required level. "In the end, it’s a wonderful point for us because we were nowhere near the standard," the manager said. He pointed to the experience in the opposition ranks as a key factor, noting the contrast with his own young squad. "They’re an experienced team. I’m putting two 18-year-olds on the pitch and look who they’re bringing on."
Burton had taken control of the game with an own goal from Mansfield's Adedeji Oshilaja after 16 minutes, followed by a strike from Jack Armer, assisted by Caylon Vickers, just before the half-hour mark. Mansfield hit back before the break through Michael Smith and then found a 70th-minute equaliser through Lucas Akins. The visitors also saw two efforts from David McGoldrick ruled out, while Burton's Kyran Lofthouse struck the crossbar.
The draw extends Burton's recent run to just one win in their last five League One outings, a sequence that includes defeats to Oxford United and Notts County. They now face a tough test away to third-placed Plymouth Argyle next Saturday.
First reported at Mansfield and Ashfield Chad
